🏟️ A New Betting Frontier Is Taking Shape

Welcome to this week’s edition of Sports Industry Weekly.
We’re breaking down the biggest headlines, boldest moves, and emerging trends shaping the business of sports. From major deals to industry shifts, here’s what you need to know. Let’s dive in.

The NBA is in active discussions with prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket as the league explores a potential new partnership category. While talks have been ongoing for over a year, they have accelerated recently following increased regulatory engagement from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, signaling a more structured and secure framework for these markets.

A key focus for the league is maintaining integrity, particularly around markets that could be vulnerable to manipulation, such as those tied to player injuries or in game conduct. The NBA is aiming to ensure it has oversight on which markets are offered and that systems are in place to monitor unusual activity. Internal conversations have progressed to the point where team presidents were recently briefed on the status of discussions and potential implications.

Although no deal has been finalized, an agreement could come as early as before next season, and the NBA may partner with multiple platforms rather than choosing just one. With recent deals in other leagues reaching significant valuations, including MLB’s reported agreement worth up to $300 million, prediction markets are quickly emerging as a new revenue stream and strategic frontier across the sports industry. (read more)

⛳ LIV Golf’s Mexico City event lost its livestream for nearly three hours due to a power outage, disrupting coverage early in the tournament.

🎤 Entertainment executive Scott Borchetta is leveraging wealth from Taylor Swift’s catalog sale to expand into sports through a new agency partnership focused on athlete brand-building.

🏀 Former NBA player Damon Jones is set to plead guilty in a federal betting case involving the alleged sale of inside player information to gamblers.

🏃 Grand Slam Track has exited bankruptcy with a plan to repay athletes and vendors, but its future remains uncertain as it attempts to rebuild after major financial losses.

🏀 The NBA granted Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham exceptions to the 65-game rule for award eligibility, while denying Anthony Edwards’s appeal.

💰 Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is selling a majority stake in Al-Hilal and signaling a broader shift away from sports investments, including a potential pullback from LIV Golf.

🎾 The French Open will allow wearable devices like Whoop on a trial basis, marking the first time such tech is permitted at a Grand Slam.

🏀 The 2026 WNBA Draft drew 1.5 million viewers, making it the second-most watched in history and signaling continued growth in women’s basketball.

📺 Netflix reported strong Q1 earnings and is doubling down on live sports, with growing interest in expanding NFL rights and using major events to drive subscriptions and ad revenue.

🏒 The NHL and Washington Capitals are preparing for a potential future without Alex Ovechkin, whose possible retirement would leave a major on-ice and business void.

⚽ FIFA says tailgating isn’t officially banned for the 2026 World Cup, but limited parking, security zones, and city-specific rules could still restrict the traditional fan experience.

💼 Private equity is continuing to deepen its footprint in college sports, with firms increasingly investing in surrounding infrastructure like Learfield as a strategic entry point into the industry.

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